Suggesting another attribute of this useful herb: feverfew makes an
effective insect repellant. Although the bitter scent suggests
its past use as an aromatic to ward off diseases, one of its
ingredients, pyrethrin, may be the clue to its insecticidal
usefulness. Mixing two teaspoonfuls of a tincture with one-half
pint of cold water will result in an effective repellant to apply to
your own skin. Keep a tincture of this herb handy to alleviate
the pain and swelling caused by insect bites.
In its
long history, this herb has been used as an ingredient in making
confections and wines; as an aromatic to ward off disease; and as an
insect repellant. Generally used for head pain, fevers, colds,
to expel worms, it is also considered as a remedy and antidote when
too much opium had been used. A decoction with sugar or honey is
said to be good for coughs, wheezing and difficult breathing. An
infusion of the flowers made with boiling water then allowed to cool,
will ease earaches. The herb, bruised and heated has been
employed as a warm external application for wind and colic.
Recently rediscovered as an anti-inflammatory and migraine headache
cure of remarkable power, Feverfew is now being promoted as a welcome
relief for migraine headaches. Preliminary studies show it to
have strong effect in both fresh and dried forms. To hide the
bitter taste, some migraine sufferers mix the leaves into foods.
But be forewarned: chewing feverfew may cause development of sores in
the mouth or on the tongue in some people. The leaves may be
frozen but lose some pungency if dried.
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DID
YOU KNOW?
-The
name “feverfew” honors the traditional use of the plant for
treating fevers.
-John Parkinson claimed it aided in recovery from opium overdose.
-Cotton Mather recommended it for toothache.
-Feverfew may be identified by its older name - Pyrethrum
partheniom.
-The
leaves may be frozen for future use but will lose some pungency
when dried.
-In
the Language of Flowers, Feverfew symbolizes: you light up my
life.
-Feverfew is also sometimes called “insect flower.” |
This
herb isn’t considered a culinary plant although the young tender
leaves do add a contrast in a fresh salad and the flower-heads may be
added to dried winter arrangements. A tea made from the flowers
has been used as a sedative and a tonic. Feverfew has a long
history of use as an ingredient in making wine and confectioneries.
Even the roots are sometimes dried and ground as a coffee substitute.
The fresh leaves and stems produce a greenish-yellow dye in wool
mordanted with chrome. In the language of flowers, feverfew
signifies: "you light up my life."
A
composite plant growing in every hedgerow, this is one herb I hope
never to be without as I can personally testify to its effectiveness
in relieving previous migraine headaches. Feverfew is a
compact-growing plant and adapts well to small flower beds and window
boxes.
